Modulating Human Microbiome Function to Enhance Immune Responses Against Cancer (R21 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

The purpose of this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is to support exploratory/development basic research projects that elucidate mechanisms by which the human microbiome inhibit or enhance anti-tumor immune responses, and to identify potential novel molecular targets for cancer prevention strategies. Applications should be focused on delineating how host interactions with specific microbes (or consortia) or their metabolites targets immune responses that enhance or prevent inflammation-associated or sporadic tumor formation. Concentration, timing, and duration of administered beneficial microbes may alter its effectiveness and thus those parameters should be rigorously addressed in the application.